PhD Fellowship in Surface Science University of Copenhagen, Nano-Science Center, Department of Chemistry

PhD Fellowship in Surface Science

Department of Chemistry, Nano-Science Center, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in Surface Science, beginning from 1 May 2018 or thereafter, depending on the needs of the successful candidate.

Description of the scientific environment

Our team is international, with more than 30 researchers from chemistry, physics, engineering, mineralogy, geology, nanoscience and biology. We work together in a dynamic, friendly team to solve questions of relevance to natural materials, the environment and energy. We combine a unique set of nanoscale techniques with classical methods to understand the fundamental processes that take place at the interface between natural materials and fluids (water, oil, CO2, O2 etc.) that may or may not contain organic compounds. Then we use the new knowledge to help solve society’s challenges. One of these is to understand how organisms make biominerals, such as bones, teeth and shells. The NanoGeoScience research team is a partner in a new project called Proteios, funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, as a Niels Bohr Professorship, to Prof. Matt Collins and in this project, we will be filling a PhD position.

Project description

The successful candidate will work in a team that crosses disciplines, i.e. behaviour and properties of materials and the preservation of archaeologic artefacts. The ability of organic material to adhere to mineral surfaces is of importance in biomineralisation, the processes by which organisms make hard parts such as teeth, bone and shells, and these materials form an important tool for archaeologists in understanding the past. In order to get full benefit of the information trapped in these materials, it is essential to understand the mechanisms that got them there and keep them there.

The position is available for a 3 year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• to manage and carry through your research project,

• to attend PhD courses,

• to write scientific articles and your PhD thesis,

• to teach and disseminate your research,

• to visit an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad,

• to work for the department.

Formal requirements

Applicants should have (or soon have) a degree that permits entry to a PhD program (such as an MSc Degree, Diplome, Honours Bachelor or 4 year Bachelor or equivalent). The candidate must not already have a PhD.

Your background should be in a quantitative science or engineering, in physics, chemistry, mineralogy, materials science, geochemistry, hydrogeology, biochemistry, engineering, mathematics or other - it does not matter - but we expect you to be competent with physics, chemistry and mathematics. An interest in surface science or materials and their interactions in nature is important.

No experience is required but keen interest and a drive for solving problems is essential, as is enthusiasm for working in a team with scientists and engineers from other disciplines and other cultures. Facility with English is obligatory.

The research team is dynamic, international and multidisciplinary. It is an exciting environment. We are looking for candidates with motivation, energy and creativity. We expect that you enjoy being part of a team, that you have a sense of humour, you are a good problem solver, are enthusiastic about helping others and that you are also able to work effectively and independently. You are interested in the behaviour of natural materials and are enthusiastic about learning more. You are also excited about fundamental science and applying the results to solve practical questions, of interest to society. Because the groups and the research questions are interdisciplinary, we are looking for people who are open minded, excited about absorbing new information across disciplines and curious about applying their skills in new ways.

Terms of employment

The start date for the position is flexible. To get the right candidate, we are willing to fill it immediately or to wait for a few months. Please indicate in your cover letter, your choice of start date. Note that this will not affect whom we choose. Salary and employment conditions are set by agreements between the Danish Finance Ministry and the relevant trade union and are determined from your education and experience.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment are in accord with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 312.879, including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 43.219). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application Procedure

To apply, it is advised that you read the entire description and announcement that is posted on:

https://nanogeoscience.dk/

It is critical that you know about the project and that you include, in your application, all of the information that is requested. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• cover Letter, in which you name the position you are applying for and state when you would like to start.

• CV (and if you have any publications, please include the publication information for them).

• a copy of your diploma and transcripts of records, i.e. lists of courses and grades (BSc and MSc).

• no more than a half page about your research interests.

• no more than one page explaining why you would like to join us and what you have to offer the project. You may use this statement as your cover letter if you wish.

The University wishes its staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 23 March 2018, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the deadline, the authorized recruitment manager will select the applicants for assessment on the advice of the interview committee. Then an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applicants. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the head of department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned qualifications. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School of Science. Note that this application is only made after confirmation that you have been chosen as the successful applicant. You can read more about this process at: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/